ITC to investigate Creative claims against Apple

Creative Technology on Wednesday said that the U.S. International Trade Commission has voted to institute an investigation of Apple Computer for the iPod's infringement of U.S. Patent 6,928,433, which Creative refers to as the "ZEN Patent."

The investigation is based on a complaint filed by Creative Labs, Inc., of Milpitas, CA, and Creative Technology Ltd. of Singapore on May 15, 2006.

In the complaint, Creative alleges that Apple has violated section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 by importing into the United States and then selling iPods that infringe Creative's ZEN Patent. Creative has requested that the ITC issue a permanent exclusion order and permanent cease and desist order.

By instituting this investigation, the ITC has not yet made any decision on the merits of the case. The case will be referred to the Honorable Paul J. Luckern, an ITC administrative law judge, who will schedule and hold an evidentiary hearing, which is typically heard in approximately five to eight months.

Judge Luckern will make an initial determination as to whether there is a violation of section 337; that initial determination is subject to review by the Commission. Typically the Commission will issue its ruling in 12 to 15 months of the institution of the investigation.

The ITC will make a final determination in the investigation at the earliest practicable time. Within 45 days after institution of the investigation, the ITC will set a target date for completing the investigation.

Originally posted by DeaPeaJayHow can it possibly be illegal to import and sell imported goods? What is apple doing that everyone else isn't doing as well?

Patents grant an exclusive right to the patent holder to make, sell, or offer for sale products using the patented technology. If the patent is upheld, Apple will have to stop selling iPods. I don't think Apple will lose this, though.